FPV F6X launches in Australia
Click image for hi-res gallery
Introduced at last year's Sydney Motor Show, the Ford territory-based FPV F6X has launched Down Under. It's just another in the string of Oztacular FPV products exclusive to the island continent, and it is the first FPV machine that isn't based on the Falcon sedan or ute. With looks that are reminiscent of the Freestyle/Taurus X, the all-wheel-drive F6X won't ever be confused for either thanks to its turbocharged 362 hp (270 kw), 405 lb-ft (550 nm) inline six and the performance it brings. The suspension is ret-uned for sport duty and the 18-inch rims hide upgraded brakes, featuring 6-pot Brembos in front, which heel the beast when necessary. Inside, a spiffy two-tone leather motif is standard, and outside, exclusive badging and optional striping are all part of the appearance package. Overall, it's pretty cool. The same can't be said for its price: $75,990 AUD is the starting number -- no small amount of cabbage for our Australian friends. Note to Ford: See? If you offered more cool stuff like this in the US, the brass wouldn't be reduced to making Homer Simpson jokes about the current product. TwinForce EcoBoost Taurus X SHO... do it already.
[Source: FPV]
Gallery: FPV F6X
PRESS RELEASE:
FPV Launches Powerful 'F6X' Sports SUV
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today set a new benchmark in performance motoring with the launch of the hot sports F6X, the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in the Australian market.
Powered by the class leading high-performance F6 270 Turbo 4.0-litre DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine, the F6X produces 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque, figures that are unmatched by any local or imported luxury six- cylinder SUV equivalents.
"The F6X is a premium, FPV enhanced version of the successful Ford Territory." FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said.
"It builds on the best attributes of that vehicle and adds additional performance without compromising on ride comfort and safety.
"Quite simply, the F6X is the most powerful six-cylinder SUV available in Australia."
The Australian designed and engineered F6X is the first non Falcon-based vehicle produced by FPV, which extends the FPV brand into new markets and offers customers a unique opportunity in Australian performance motoring.
"The F6X was designed for families that want a competitively priced, high performance luxury SUV," Barrett said.
"FPV has delivered a vehicle that combines the powerful performance of a turbo charged I6 with luxury sports design cues and outstanding driving dynamics to create the ultimate sports luxury SUV.
"It is priced well below its imported luxury equivalents, but still delivers the high performance and luxury enhancements expected from a premium SUV vehicle."
The F6X's 270kW powerplant is matched to the renowned ZF six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time All-Wheel-Drive system.
Through a unique spring and damper calibration, FPV engineers have re-tuned the ride and handling to produce a firmer sports feel, which further enhances the primary ride control of the vehicle.
Further complementing the performance sports suspension is an upgraded brake package featuring premium front Brembo six piston calipers and 355mm x 32mm ventilated rotors, and rear 328mm x 26mm ventilated rotors with single piston sliding calipers.
The Alpine Silver finish on the18-inch five-spoke alloys is also exclusive to the F6X.
To match the higher engine outputs, sportier suspension and bigger brakes, FPV engineers also developed a unique Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) calibration for the F6X.
"The result is a DSC system that is not too intrusive during spirited driving, but provides great control during handling manoeuvres," Barrett said.
The F6X is fitted with a number of advanced active and passive safety features, including four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Standard equipment includes side curtain airbags and dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, a Reverse Sensing System and reverse camera.
Exclusive two-toned leather interior
"The unique styling of the leather seats is a standout, eye-catching feature of the F6X and contributes to the sports luxury feel that permeates the entire vehicle," said Barrett.
The seats feature a unique Shadow and Pumice two-tone seat trim, with the striking F6X logo embroidered on the adjustable head rests.
The two-tone treatment is continued through to the third row on the seven-seat variant.
The instrument cluster features the FPV logo, an engine speed red line and distinctive FPV blue illumination, while FPV scuff plates and alloy pedals add to the list of interior appointments.
Each vehicle comes with its own unique build plate mounted on the gear selector surround.
The premium Interior Command Centre (ICC), with dual zone automatic climate control and large colour screen, is finished in a unique Molten Metal accent colour, while the leather door trim inserts are finished in Pumice.
External accents stand out from the crowd
Unique F6X exterior styling cues include a high-tech front mesh grille insert with Molten Metal highlight, as well as a rear spoiler and alloy running boards with a matching body colour surround.
The exterior design also features Molten Metal accents on the front skid plate, bonnet air scoop, door mirror scalps and rear skid plate.
The vehicle features distinctive F6X 270 badging, and a unique F6X 270 stripe package is available as an optional extra.
Exterior paint colours on the F6X include Ego, Lightning Strike, Nitro*, Seduce, Sensation*, Silhouette, Velvet* and Winter White.
The F6X's recommended retail price is $75,990 and will go on sale nationally from February 29th, 2008
*Nitro available from April 2008, Sensation available from March 2008, Velvet available from August 2008
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TriShield 8:18PM (1/30/2008)
Yes, this FPV is not Falcon-based in name but the Territory is made out of the Falcon's structure. It's also supplanted the Falcon wagon in it's home country.
It's also infinitely cooler and better than the numerous SUV/crossover/wagon things Ford US peddles to us. It's also about the size of a Ford Edge.
Ford would be smart to look not only to Europe for new products, but also Australia.
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imoore 9:37PM (1/30/2008)
Amen to that. BTW, how do you think the Freestyle/Taurus X management team would react to Ford bringing this ove--besides having a major hissy fit?
bathtub gin 1:25AM (1/31/2008)
If our Freestyle had the good stuff that the FPV has, my wife wouldn't get a chance to drive it. "C'mon, kids! Daddy wants to take you to school! I don't care if it's Saturday! Get in the car! And put on your helmets!"
It's a shame Ford got so many things right on the Freestyle - room, excellent driving position, capable handling - and just completely screwed the pooch on the engine and drivetrain. Now we get to look at the FPV and see that at least in Australia, they can get it right when they want.
gnyd 8:25PM (1/30/2008)
Just what we need, another aggro 4WD. And available with "striping pack".... guffaw. Says it all, really.
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Talisman 9:25PM (1/30/2008)
We dont need this. We are getting the Flex and the Lincoln MKT with the Ecoboost V6. Im pretty sure the Taurus X is going to be discontinued anyway. When the Flex hits, there will be no need for it.
Im looking forward to the upcoming Ecoboost versions of the Taurus and Fusion/Milan/MKZ more than any wagon suv type cars anyway.
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Myles Heathcote 7:01AM (1/31/2008)
From what I've read the ford flex will run with the duratec V6 with "more than 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) of torque" (wikipedia).
Any ideas on how much that will cost?
The $75k price tag on the F6X is a lot, but you cant compare it to the Flex. And the Lincoln MKT is only a concept. The base model Territory has 190kw, and 383Nm, and costs $38k. And its out now! For us lucky enough in Australia that is...
C.W. 8:25AM (1/31/2008)
good points.
the MKT you saw in Detroit is a concept, however the production version is well underway and will be here this time next year. they want the Flex to have a running start on its own. the initial Flex will have the duratec 260hp v6, but starting early next year they will be giving you a choice of EcoBoost. the Flex will do well, and the Taurus X is going away. the business case for that model is long gone.
HotRodzNKustoms 10:03PM (1/30/2008)
Ford still has a straight six hiding somewhere?
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jgp 11:34PM (1/30/2008)
Yup. Ford Australia's main 6-cylinder engine is a straight-6.
It's actually descended from the original Falcon straight-6 from the '60s, but it's been heavily updated over the years (it went SOHC in 1988, and switched to DOHC in 2002).
HotRodzNKustoms 4:04PM (1/31/2008)
That is so awesome.
JGN 10:43PM (1/30/2008)
$75,990 AUS??? How many of these are they expecting to sell. That sounds a little high doesn't it? For a Ford?
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Mark 1:22AM (1/31/2008)
Thats about the price we pay for FPV vehicles here. Its pretty normal for all high end Ford and Holden products.
Oh and that straight 6 is aussie built, but sadly will end production in 2010 to be replaced by the inferior but cheaper American V6.
accord745 11:07PM (1/30/2008)
It's so refreshing to see a new Ford product without the ubiquitous horizontal-bar front-end. But $75000AUD (~$68000USD) is way too much.. I'd rather have my fun with a pair of Mustangs.
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jinushaun 11:48PM (1/30/2008)
I actually thought this was a GOOD looking Forester until I saw the badge! Oy vey! Ford, why do you make such cool vehicles for other countries?
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Chris 11:26PM (1/30/2008)
FPV F6X - rolls naturally off the tongue.
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chris 11:37PM (1/30/2008)
Australians pay a lot more for cars than Americans do, even cars designed and made in Australia.
You can't compare foreign prices of any cars with American prices, since all your cars are so cheap compared to anywhere else in the world.
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Stuka 9:10AM (1/31/2008)
Thats not a high price for Australia. Americans would consider it high yes, but australians wouldn't.
And the Ford i6 used there is an amazing engine. I *REALLY* wish I could own a Typhoon (Falcon with that same i6 engine)
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Eric L 12:36AM (1/31/2008)
Seriously, Australia gets all the fun stuff from both GM and Ford. I would KILL for one of those high performance Holdens or Falcons.
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mk 1:44AM (1/31/2008)
How'd that thing get the hood scoop off of a Subaru Legacy/Outback/09 Forester turbo?
Funny that Ford can't make the Taurus X/Freestyle thing go in the US, but the Outback is Subaru's single best selling model line in the US... Yet Ford is building a Subaru Outback clone in Australia now...
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Mattias 3:22AM (1/31/2008)
This looks very 1980s.
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